Hillsound Equipment [Canada]

I chose these based on the design and I’m not disappointed. I have mobility issues and being able to fit them to my boot in advance makes all the difference for me. With the bindings I find I don’t have to struggle stretching rubber around my boots at the trail head and they stay on the entire hike. Very happy!

The first chance I had to use these, I went to my favorite local park a few days after a good snow. I hiked 8 miles thru snow, slush, packed snow, wet snowy leaves, wet rocks and ice with over 800 feet elevation ascent/descent with steep grades. I'm 6'1" 180 and carry a 25 pound day pack. I did not slip once! The Cypress6 did not hinder my performance either. I finished 15 minutes sooner then my normal pace. I have never felt more confident hiking down and uphill in these conditions then with these on my feet. They don't clog up with wet leaves or debris, I didn't have to adjust them or clean them while hiking. They are not bulky, heavy or intruding on your stride. I would highly recommend these, I could not be happier. The perfect back-trail crampon, I am an avid hiker/backpacker/mountaineer and these are now an essential addition my gear.

I am giddy after using these the first time! I live on a ridge and everything is sloped. We got rain and slush which then refrioze turning the entire driveway and private road into a giant ice river. I carry feed to the horses uphill from the house. Even with my Yak-Trax I had to mostly walk on snow and pick my way very carefully where I couldn't avoid the road. We've tried to spread sand so the horses don't hurt themselves, but even there it was pretty dicey and nerve-wracking. Once I realized these were not slipping I was purposely walking across all the sheerest smoothest ice around and realishing my new super power, gloating to the ice, "Take that *really-bad-compound-swear-word-beginnig-with-mother*!"

I am in in my second season of using the Cypress 6 and I am still pleased with them. I do not use them for technical climbing, but they are excellent for hiking up and down the mountain side. Unlike the "trail style" crampon (chained cleats), these will not slip out sideways, your boot is very secure in the harness. And unlike crampons with toe cleats, these are easier to walk in (no "stubbing the toe") and are very simple for on and off. My only issue is that the back strap is barely long enough when using gaiters.